Government Security Nonprofit Grant Assistance
We work year-round with Jewish organizations to help secure funding through federal and state security grant programs, including the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP). Depending on your organization’s needs, eligibility, and timing, we’ll help you determine which grant process is the right fit. These grants help organizations upgrade physical security at their facilities and hire contract security guards. Our support includes:
- Ongoing counsel as you consider and pursue a grant.
- On-site Vulnerability Assessments to identify, prioritize, and provide cost analysis based on previous quotes and current market value for security improvements.
- Guidance on preparing and submitting a competitive application.
Please contact our team as early as possible. Application windows have historically fluctuated, so we recommend reaching out as soon as you’re considering a grant to schedule your Vulnerability Assessment and secure your spot in our grant support program
Frequently Asked Questions
California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP)
The CSNSGP is funded by the State of California and administered by the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). It provides funding for target hardening and other physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of violent attacks and hate crimes because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission.
Who is eligible? California nonprofit organizations described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and exempt from tax under Section 501(a). (The IRS does not require some organizations, such as synagogues, churches, and mosques, to obtain a formal 501(c)(3) determination letter if they meet the requirements.)
Up to $250,000 per location, for a maximum of $500,000 across two locations. Each site must have its own unique physical address (not a P.O. Box) and your organization must occupy the location at the time of submission.
Cost categories generally include planning, equipment (for example, reinforced doors, lighting, alarms, and access control), training, construction and renovation, contracted security personnel, management and administration, and support services. Always confirm the exact allowable-cost list against the current cycle’s guidance, as categories can shift year to year.
The CSNSGP cycle timing has shifted in recent years. In earlier cycles, Cal OES released its Request for Proposal (RFP) in August, with applications due about two months later. For the most recent cycle, the RFP came out on October 31 with applications due December 12. The timeline for the upcoming cycle has not yet been announced — we will update this page as soon as Cal OES releases it.
Learn more: Cal OES Infrastructure Protection Grants · Program questions can be directed to Cal OES at CSNSGP@caloes.ca.gov.
The Upcoming Cycle
The first step is to schedule an orientation call with the Federation. We can conduct the required on-site Vulnerability Assessment and review the grant process with you. A new Vulnerability Assessment is required for each cycle. We expect the application guidelines to be similar to last year’s, but this won’t be confirmed until Cal OES releases the RFP.
No. Cal OES is not permitted to factor prior funding into its review of new applications.
For Current Grantees
Quote thresholds have varied by cycle, so confirm the requirement for your specific grant year with your Cal OES analyst. For security personnel, we suggest getting two quotes as soon as possible — one from your current provider and one from another licensed security firm.
We recommend getting quotes from licensed contractors now. Current quotes tell you whether you need to adjust your grant budget, and they must be dated before any expenses are incurred.
You can follow the budget-modification instructions Cal OES publishes on its website, and our team can provide guidance on a case-by-case basis.
An initial notification of allocated funding is not your final award. To finalize a grant, you typically submit a secondary application and upload required documents through the Cal OES Grants Central System (GCS) portal. Cal OES must review and approve those materials before issuing a final award letter — and that final letter is what you need in order to seek reimbursement.
Working With Cal OES
- Always email your assigned Cal OES grants analyst with questions.
- Please do not copy the Federation on your emails to Cal OES.
- Please forward any correspondence or replies you receive from Cal OES to our team.
Reference Documents
The following Cal OES resources apply across grant cycles. If you’re considering a grant, please schedule a call with our team before completing the Vulnerability Assessment — we conduct the required on-site assessment with you.
- Vulnerability Assessment Worksheet — the required VA worksheet (current revision).
- Cal OES Memos & Workshops — where the next RFP and workshop announcements are posted.
This page is for general guidance. Program rules, funding amounts, and deadlines are set by Cal OES each cycle and can change — always confirm current requirements against the official Cal OES guidance for your grant year.